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Bauhinia macranthera

Botanical Name

Bauhinia macranthera Bentham ex Hemsley

Common Name(s)

  • Chihuahuan orchid tree

Synonyms

Legume Clades

Cercidoideae , Bauhinia

Native Geographic Range

  • Southwestern North America

IUCN Status

Growth Form

tree

Cultivation Status in AZ

Rarely cultivated

Description

Evergreen or tardily deciduous, unarmed, trees to 20 ft (6 m) high. The bark is smooth and gray. Leaves have 2 lobes and are 2—2 ¾ in (5—7 cm) long. Pink flowers are produced in the late spring and summer.

Habitat

Native to mountainous areas of northeastern and central Mexico.

Uses

None reported.

Horticulture

Chihuahuan orchid tree can be planted as a patio tree and lends a tropical effect to the landscape. Growth is rather slow. Growth rate and appearance can be enhanced with regular, deep irrigation. This species has survived 16° F (-9° C) in cultivation. The plants produce minimal litter.